Special Guardianship

A special guardianship order provides for a child to live with a certain person or certain people.

Anyone named in a special guardianship order has parental responsibility for the child. That doesn’t mean that someone else who already has parental responsibility will lose it. It simply allows the special guardian to exercise parental responsibility without having to consult with anyone.

Family members and foster carers may want to think about special guardianship as an option for a child’s long-term care. There are some other situations in which special guardianship may be appropriate too. It can be a way of stopping lots of disputes happening between parents and a child’s carer. It can also be a good alternative to adoption, especially for older children who may still want to see their parents or keep in touch indirectly.

We can advise you on special guardianship, and what it would mean for you.